Prima

Prima Restaurant Review:

Kailua's Prima is the second venture of Alejandro Briceño and Lindsey Ozawa, both formerly of Nobu Waikiki. It's definitely upscale dining, but due to Kailua's laid-back lifestyle, this is a neighborhood spot that caters to a casually-dressed crowd. Be sure to try the pizza that they brought over from their first restaurant, V Lounge, as Briceño turns out hand-made pies with fresh, local toppings on his uniquely chewy, yeasty dough. Some of the favorites from the menu are the fennel panna cotta, a creamy, savory appetizer; the pappardelle curry bolognese with fried curry leaves; and the crudo, a fresh plate of seasonal sashimi with pomelo, tomato, basil and crisp, mini oven-dried pepperoni slivers. Save room for the handmade gelato for dessert. The wine list is not extensive, but what is available is hand-picked; select handcrafted cocktails are an option, too.